An inspred aviatrix born to fly. Planning a 2014 flight around the world.

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Dear Amelia…

75 years ago today, Amelia Earhart embarked upon her final flight… a flight that would go down in the world’s history as one of the most calculated risks, most beautiful adventures and most confounding mysteries. She blew the mind’s of her critics, she dared to dream in a way that provoked others to stare, wide eyed and excited. Amelia made others question their daily lives, asking themselves the burning question of what they could do to feel that alive! Her graceful demeanor, quiet confidence and sheer focus is what allowed her to leave her mark. This is why, 75 years later, we search for her. We search for her wreckage in hopes of putting to rest the life of a woman who knew how to go for it… big time.

There are many times that I have felt that Amelia was in the cockpit with me. No, I am not having crazy delusions of a phantom co-pilot… But it is her vivacity that encourages me to keep learning, keep fueling my desires and the plane, and to keep pushing forward on this beautiful journey, even when the critics step in and try their best to get in my head. When Amelia is in the plane with me, I grease my landings, I pass my check ride, and I fly with ease and grace. If I could write her a letter, this is what it would say…

Dear Amelia,

You are about to change the course of history. You are about to go where no woman has gone before. You are about to inspire countless men and women to question what they are capable of accomplishing. Did you have any idea that 75 years later your name would still come up in daily conversation and be taught in schools to throngs of kids who just want to grow up to do great things? Did you know your name would stand for gusto and passion and adventure?

I can only imagine what it is like to take off in that beautiful Lockheed Electra, loud and solid, heavy and reconfigured for your epic flight. We have all read the accounts of your final words, your preparation for the journey, but I want to know what went through your mind the first time you could only see the ocean below you… no land in sight, just ocean and sky, an adventure unfolding in your hands. Did you feel like you were where you were supposed to be?

Was it hard to deal with people who said you wouldn’t accomplish your goal? Did their words ever bring you to tears? Did you ever question if they were right and that you were not tough enough to leave the ground? So many years later, there are still people out there who think it is odd to see a woman flying a plane. Crazy, right?

So many questions, I know. That’s what happens when a great person does not return. We never got to ask you what the world looked like from that plane, what it felt like to be truly in control of your own existence, in the most literal sense…

When I fly, you are in the plane with me. You are reminding me to scan and double check and communicate clearly. You are there with me when a little girl asks me what it is like to fly an airplane, “all by myself”. You are there when any woman takes off into the big blue sky.

What a gift is has been, being named after you. I consider our name to be the greatest gift my parents could have ever given me. Every day I get to tell the story of how you inspired me to long for more than an ordinary existence. It is working! Someday I will complete your round the world flight for you… you will be there in the airplane with me, guiding me home to a safe landing.

Flying is hard work. We know that because so few take on the responsibility. Were there ever days that you wanted to quit and lead a “normal” life? Were there days when negative people made you want to play small and stop flying? I have days like that too, but it is your tenacity that has made me get up day after day and try something new. It has also made me want to encourage others, those who feel lost and confused about if they are strong enough to do something great… they are the ones that need it most. You still inspire them, even after being gone for so many years.

Blue skies and tailwinds, Amelia… you actually changed the world. Someday soon, we will find your plane, we will solve the mystery, and we will honor you for your bold and daring feat of courage.

Wonderfully composed………..just like everything else you do Amelia #2! Your flight plan on that “Big Day” will be no different. Well planned, documented and executed……..each and every detail will clearly be qualitatively present for your journey. Then……..unlike your predecessor and name’s sake, you will return to us to “tell the story,” once and for all.

She’ll continue to fly with you, only she’ll employ angel’s wings on this trip, as she provides you guidance as your wing(wo)man. You have an itinerary to fulfill and destination to reach. She’ll be your ever-present control tower and the voice of your personal flight traffic controller.

She will be here on the ground………with the rest of us, to wave you onto the runway and hear the cheers that have remained silent for so long. She’ll fill your heart and soul with the words that would have spilled from her lips upon her own safe return, as you are greeted by celebrants and you share your story. She’ll be there/here………..always.

Maybe no one has found her, because YOU, have become her………. Can’t wait to hear your voice share the complete journey. Too bad Paul Harvey can’t also be present to say….once and for all……..”And NOW, you have the REST of the story.” Godspeed!

Dear Amelia, I have been following your career and blogs with great interest. It is a real treat to hear your “voice” and share it with my club friends in the Zonta Club of Prowers County. We are rooting for you. And hoping for great discoveries from the TIGHAR expedition.

i m from Holland and we just saw here the film “Amelia” with Hillary Swank and Richard Gere. Not a good one, but flying scenes, the historical aircrafts and of course the memorial aspect of this wonderful woman makes it a respectable film. anyway, i love your letter and your plans for the round the world trip. and i m sure you ll make it. because you have made up your mind for a long time, like your namefellow did 75 years ago too. go for it Amelia. regards… Mar Uittenbogaard,Amsterdam, Holland.

dear amanda earheart,
you are wonderful. I mean, girls nowadays(21st generatin) are not as amazing as you. they aren’t brave and they dont have the courage of flying high beyond everybody. I wish I would grow up just like you. Wherever you are,i salute you.